See the FBTA Calendar page for a list of local events.

The tradition of trail riding is alive and well in the town of Fairfield and it's neighboring communities. Thanks to the support of sympathetic homeowners, our enthusiastic members, local land trusts and designated open spaces, the FBTA is able to maintain an extensive network of riding trails from the edge of Westport through Southport, Fairfield, and into Easton.  If you are interested in becoming a member or supporting the trails system please contact us at info@fairfieldbridletrails.org.

 New and Noteworthy

• FBTA Mourns the Loss of Vice-President Dan Burhans                                                                                                                                  We have just received notice that long-time FBTA member Dan Burhans passed away Monday May 24. Many will remember Dan’s tireless and reliable work for the club tending to our insurance needs and trail maintenance. And many will recall him jumping Arrogant Prince over 4-foot fences and driving Intrepid Lady at a smart trot around Southport. Dan always enjoyed a good horse and he leaves a space that will be hard to fill.  The family will hold a memorial service  Fri May 28 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Collins Funeral Home, 92 East Avenue, Norwalk 06851. There will be a graveside service Sat May 29 at 11 a.m. at St. John’s Cemetery, 223 Richards Ave., Norwalk 06850. Condolences to the family can be sent to Dan’s cousin Kathy Britto, c/o Collins Funeral Home, 92 East Avenue, Norwalk, CT 06851.

• FBTA at the Pequot Libraby Derby Party

• FBTA member Erin Hornung looks on as co-president Ariane Mermod (in jockey silks) gives her thoroughbred Ben a smooch at the Pequot Library Derby Party. Featured in the Fairfield Citizen and the Connecticut Post. For more photos of the party go to our gallery page.

• FBTA in the News! Thanks to Tim Loh of the Fairfield Citizen for writing such a supportive article about horses and dogs on the beach.  Read the article: Bidding the Beaches Adieu, March 26th, 2010. Member Jeanette Cicora is pictured here galloping her horse Ginger.

• Save the date: Derby Day Party, May 1st Save the date for a great day watching the Run for the Roses, drinking Mint Juleps, snacking on ham and biscuits, picking your winning horses and admiring the tailgaters with vintage cars on the lawn of the Pequot Library. Tentative time 4:30 to 7:30.

• FBTA Tack Sale - Request for donations Have you accumulated gear you no longer need or are you looking for something different? We are organizing a tack swap and sale - the FBTA will be selling donated items, and all are welcome to bring your own stuff, hang around for a couple of hours and see if you can sell it or trade for something else! Date + time dependent on interest, please e-mail!
• First Annual Spring Kick-Off Party a great success    Thanks to everyone who turned up for our kick-off! It was a great combination of old and new faces, and some great input was given on what members interests are and what you would like to do.  Member Ginny Gartland was the winner of the FBTA saddle pad door prize, and member Alix Pose was the runner-up with a 2010 Farmers Almanac. Unfortunately we forgot to take pictures...
• Come to our Spring Kick-Off party! Want to learn about who we are and what we do? Learn about our activities and events? Come to our kick-off party to find out. Past-members, current members, and potential members are welcome!

 

• 2010 Membership Appeal Letter
• 2010 Winter Newsletter

FBTA HOLIDAY PARTY!                    Thursday, December 10th

Don't miss your chance to catch up with your fellow FBTA riding friends and make new ones! Member Deborah Webb is hosting this year's party. Please stand by for your inviation, either by "Evite" or mail if we do not have your email address. Hope to see you there!

Our Fall Newsletter is here!

If you did not receive your copy, or are not a member, take a look by clicking here. In this issue:

Hunter Trails Results + Photos, Seen on the Trails, Did you know? Members in our community, New for 2010, Winter horse care tips, and the Classifieds section: Stall + Services

FBTA Mourns the Passing of past-FBTA President and community leader Sue Eckert

Sue Eckert passed away on Friday, November 13th. A wake was held for her at the Lesko funeral home in the Brick Walk on Monday, and a funeral service was held Tuesday at St. Timothy’s Church in Fairfield. In addition to being a past president of the FBTA, Sue was on the FBTA board, served as our liaison with the town, and as an elected member of Fairfield’s Representative Town meeting for many, many years.  She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

Connecticut Children's Medical Center Saddle-Up Trail Ride - Sunday, November 1st

Come ride the 8 miles of beautiful trails at the Second Company Governor's Horse Guard's Fairfield Hills Facility and help raise funds for the kids at Connecticut Children's Medical Center! Hosted by the  Second Company Governor's Horse Guard, 4 Wildlife Drive, Newtown, CT, 203-426-9046. These trails are beautiful and are rarely open to the public so this is an excellent opportunity to explore new territory! Start times are from 9 am - 12 pm. See the  CCMC Saddle-Up Ride Flyer for details. For further information contact SGT. Jackie Sundblade (203) 558-4749 or (203) 729-3065.

2009 FBTA Hunter Trials - October 11th

The 2009 FBTA Hunter Trials will be held on Sunday, October 11th at the Fairfield County Hunt Club in Westport, CT. For a copy of the 2009 FBTA Hunter Trials Prize List and Entry Form click here. Please print out both for your reference and mail in your entry form with a check made out to the "FBTA."

You may also enter the day of the event. Registration opens at 7:00 am. Junior classes start at 8:00 am, Adult classes start after 12:00 pm.

New Newman/Poses Preserve in Westport will be accessible to Horseback Riders

According to an article printed in the Westport News on September 3, 2009, 38 acres of land in northern Westport, some of which was donated to the town of Westport by the Newman family, will be designated as a nature preserve. The new recreational area, named the "Newman/Poses Preserve" will be managed by the Aspetuck Land Trust. It will be accessible to horseback riders (yeah!). ALT is currently expanding the trail network and seeking approval for the parking lot - which may only accomodate 10 cars so get there early! Contact the ALT for further information. You can read the complete article by clicking on this link: //www.westportnow.com/index.php?/v2/comments/town_seeks_creation_of_newman_poses_nature_preserve/

Stablecloth Luxury Riding Apparel          Sample Sale        

Get Involved!

Make new riding friends, discover new riding territory, and share your knowledge with other riders. Contact us at info@fairfieldbridletrails.org for more information or go ahead and become a member today!

The FBTA Columbus Day Hunter Trials is a great way to support the trails association while having fun on your pony or horse. It is open to members and non-members alike. Please refer to the Hunter Trails page for more information.

Don't ride but want to support the equine tradition in Fairfield? Please become a supporter of the FBTA. You will receive a copy of our newsletter, invitations to attend our special events, and our sincere appreciation.